What actions does the Agency take when an establishment fails a Salmonella performance standard?

When an establishment fails a Salmonella performance standard, the Agency takes a comprehensive approach to address the issue. First, notifying the establishment and issuing a notice is essential to ensure that they are aware of the failure and the potential risks that it presents. This initial communication establishes the Agency's concern and outlines the steps that need to be taken to rectify the situation.

Increasing the sampling frequency serves as a proactive measure to monitor the establishment more closely. By doing this, the Agency can gather additional data that helps assess whether the establishment can meet the Salmonella standards. This heightened scrutiny allows for timely identification of any ongoing issues.

Furthermore, verifying HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) corrective actions is crucial. The HACCP system is designed to prevent hazards in food production, so ensuring that the establishment implements effective corrective actions is vital to restoring compliance.

By combining these actions—notification, increased sampling, and verification of HACCP practices—the Agency effectively addresses the failure while simultaneously helping the establishment to improve its food safety protocols. Taking all of these steps demonstrates a thorough response to ensure that public health is safeguarded.